A delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party’s Uttar Pradesh unit met the members of the 15th Finance Commission and sought more grants for the state to improve rural infrastructure and for setting up cowsheds in gram sabhas.

The BJP delegation, led by party’s vice-president JPS Rathore, had a detailed discussion with the Finance Commission on how to make India a $5-trillion economy with UP contributing almost $1 trillion as its share.

“Uttar Pradesh has effectively followed the guidelines of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act for which the CII has appreciated the UP government for controlling deficit. States which are able to keep their fiscal deficit under specified guidelines of the FRBM Act should get incentives,” the BJP delegation said.

The BJP leaders also sought money for improving infrastructure around villages, improving rural drainage system and soil culture. It also asked for more funds for building roads in villages which lay at the cusp of the cities.

The BJP also sought funds for developing cow progeny and building cowsheds to keep stray cattle.

“Uttar Pradesh has gone for afforestation in a big way. This year, 22 crore saplings were planted and for next year a target for planting 25 crore saplings has been set. Protecting trees is a big challenge. The state should get additional funds for maintenance and protection of trees,” the delegation said.

The BJP also sought funds for improving sewage system in nagar panchayat, nagar palikas and nagar nigams and sought funds for construction of mini-secretariats in villages.

It also sought funds for improving infrastructure at religious places.